UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a naval base, marking Zelenskiy's first foreign visit with Burnham. They will discuss joint projects, including the Stone Cloak electronic warfare system.
The visit highlights continued strong UK support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict and signals a deepening of military technological cooperation between the two nations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to visit UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at a naval base on Monday. This meeting signifies Zelenskiy's first foreign leader engagement with Burnham, who assumed office a week prior. The visit underscores the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Discussions are expected to focus on collaborative projects, particularly the sharing of intellectual property for the UK's 'Stone Cloak' electronic warfare system, enabling Ukraine to produce the technology at scale. The Ministry of Defence has already provided thousands of these devices, which are designed to block drone detection, to Ukrainian forces. The technology is also slated for integration into the UK's future long-range weapons systems.
Burnham has pledged the UK's "unwavering" support for Ukraine, stating that Britain stands "shoulder to shoulder" with the nation and will not relent until a just peace is achieved. He emphasized that the Stone Cloak system represents British innovation proven on the front lines and is vital for the security of both countries.
During the visit, Zelenskiy will also meet over 200 Ukrainian military personnel who have been participating in a three-week maritime exercise in the UK, aimed at enhancing warfighting capabilities and counter-mine measures in the Black Sea.
The UK has consistently supported Ukraine since Russia's invasion, committing £25 billion in funding. Burnham had invited Zelensky to visit the UK during their first call after Burnham became prime minister. Zelensky expressed appreciation for the steadfast support, while acknowledging concerns about potential leadership changes in allied nations impacting aid.